Kingfisher Motorsport has entered a sponsorship agreement with the British Trials & Rally Drivers Association (BTRDA) for the 2026 English Rally Championship, extending a partnership that has run for several years.
The deal positions the specialist insurance broker as the official sponsor of the national rally series. The 2026 season is scheduled to begin with the Malcolm Wilson Rally on March 7.
The BTRDA confirmed in 2024 that Reis Motorsport Insurance – a Kingfisher brand – had returned as headline sponsor of the English Rally Championship and the BTRDA Rally Series Historic Cup.
Read more: Kingfisher announces motorsport sponsorships
Kingfisher Motorsport provides insurance for professional motorsport teams across race, rally, and motorbike disciplines, as well as motorsport businesses including preparers, repairers, storage providers, and traders.
The company's teams have arranged cover for motorsport activity since 2008. Products include vehicle cover on track, on public roads, and during transportation, alongside personal accident and travel insurance.
Kingfisher also expanded its motorsport footprint through its acquisition of Reis Motorsport Insurance. The broker also purchased MIS Commercial, with chief executive Jacquie Boast stating the deal "solidifies our position as a leading provider of specialist insurance solutions for the motorsport industry."
Ryan Thorpe, head of retail motorsport at Kingfisher Insurance, said the company is pleased to continue its relationship with the BTRDA. He noted that rallying remains central to British motorsport and that the English Rally Championship reflects the values Kingfisher Motorsport prioritises.
"We are thrilled to support the drivers, teams, and community who make this championship truly special," Thorpe said.
BTRDA president Mike Broad acknowledged the sponsorship's role in sustaining the series. He noted that the BTRDA operates the only national class-based rally championship in the country, giving competitors at all levels the opportunity to win a national title.
"Without the support of Kingfisher Motorsport, we would not be able to continue to grow this important Championship within the Forest Rally community," Broad said.
Motorsport insurance represents a specialist niche within the broader UK motor market. Mordor Intelligence values the UK motor insurance market at US$24.42 billion in 2025, with projections reaching US$29.93 billion by 2030 at a 4.2% compound annual growth rate.
